Northants County Council recently launched a public consultation into the proposals which would see books at Brackley and Towcester libraries fitted with Radio Frequency Identification tags.

The tags mean customers will be able to scan their chosen books in and out themselves – and can return books to any county library using the technology.

This will free-up time for librarians who will be able to spend more time helping customers and will allow them to travel to other libraries to cover the extended hours.

Overall across the county it is hoped library opening times will be extended by 430 hours and Towcester and Brackley libraries will each be open an extra 13 hours per week. It would mean Towcester library would no longer be closed on a Thursday and Brackley library would open again on a Monday.

Ursula Jones, NCC cabinet member for the voluntary sector, communities and heritage, said: "This plan will see opening hours re-instated and should see a dramatic increase in the numbers of people using the services."

Cllr Jones added that it was important library users were happy with the proposals.
She said: "It would be no use if we were to open libraries at times and locations which did not fit with the needs of local people."

The consultation ends on Saturday, March 15 and full details are available at the libraries, online at www.northamptonshire.gov.
uk or over the 'phone on 01604 462049.